This recipe is all about balance: rich salmon + sweet honey + zesty lemon + garlicky butter = an absolute flavor bomb. You’ll mix up a quick sauce, pour it over your salmon, wrap it in foil, and let your oven (or grill!) do the rest. That’s it. No babysitting, no mess, and all the restaurant-level flavor.
Why You’ll Love It
- Super easy & quick—ready in under 30 minutes
- Bakes in foil = no cleanup
- Perfectly tender and never dry
- Naturally halal and gluten-free
- Works with fresh or frozen salmon fillets
Time & Servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
- Total Time: ~30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: ~360
Ingredients
- 1 to 1½ lbs salmon fillet (skin-on or off)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley (or thyme/dill)
- Optional: lemon slices for garnish
Fresh garlic is key here for that bold, savory punch!
How to Make Honey Garlic Butter Salmon in Foil
1. Prep the Foil + Salmon
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) or heat grill to medium.
- Line a baking sheet with a large piece of aluminum foil and lightly grease it.
- Place salmon fillet skin-side down on the foil. Pat dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. Mix the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Melted butter
- Honey
- Garlic
- Lemon juice
- Lemon zest
- Pour the sauce over the salmon, using a spoon to spread it evenly.
3. Seal and Bake
- Fold up the sides of the foil to create a sealed packet.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, depending on thickness.
- Thin fillets: 12–15 minutes
- Thick center-cut fillets: closer to 18–20 minutes
- Optional: open the foil and broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for golden edges.
Grilling? Place foil packet directly on grill grates and cook 15 minutes with the lid closed.
4. Garnish and Serve
- Open the foil carefully—there will be steam!
- Spoon extra sauce over the top and sprinkle with parsley or fresh herbs.
- Garnish with lemon slices and serve warm.
What to Serve With It
- Garlic butter rice or herbed couscous
- Roasted or steamed vegetables (asparagus, green beans, broccoli)
- Mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash
- Fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Warm flatbread or naan to soak up the sauce!
Tips for Success
- Use center-cut salmon for even thickness and cooking.
- Don’t overcook! Salmon is perfect when it flakes easily with a fork but is still moist inside.
- Want crispy edges? Broil uncovered for the last 2–3 minutes.
- Double the sauce if you love it extra saucy—trust me, you’ll want bread to mop it up.
- Add veggies to the foil (like asparagus or thin green beans) to make it a full meal.
Variations
- Spicy honey garlic salmon: Add ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha
- Asian-inspired: Add 1 tsp soy sauce or sesame oil to the sauce
- Herb switch: Try dill, thyme, or chives instead of parsley
- Citrus swap: Use orange zest + juice for a twist
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Freezer: Wrap cooled salmon in foil or airtight container, freeze up to 2 months
- Reheat: In a 325°F oven for 10 minutes or gently in a skillet with a splash of water or lemon
FAQ
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes—just thaw it completely in the fridge and pat it dry before seasoning and baking.
Do I need to remove the skin?
Nope! It will peel right off after baking if you prefer skinless servings.
Can I use salmon portions instead of one big fillet?
Yes! Just reduce the baking time slightly and keep an eye on doneness.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes—swap butter for olive oil or a plant-based alternative.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Garlic Butter Salmon in Foil is one of those simple, sure-thing recipes you’ll come back to again and again. It’s effortless, full of flavor, and totally foolproof, making it perfect for salmon lovers and nervous fish-cookers alike. Once you taste that sweet-savory sauce over tender flakes of salmon? It’s game over.
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Honey Garlic Butter Salmon In Foil Recipe
- Total Time: 30 min
Description
Tender, flaky salmon baked in a rich honey garlic butter sauce — all wrapped in foil for easy cleanup. This quick, flavor-packed dinner is perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
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1.5 lb (680g) salmon fillet, skin-on or skinless
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3 tbsp honey
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
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Lemon slices (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil large enough to wrap the salmon.
2️⃣ Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, honey, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until combined.
3️⃣ Prepare the salmon: Place the salmon fillet in the center of the foil. Pour the honey garlic butter mixture over the salmon, spreading it evenly with a spoon or brush.
4️⃣ Seal the foil: Fold the foil over the salmon to create a sealed packet, crimping the edges to lock in moisture.
5️⃣ Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, depending on the thickness of your salmon.
6️⃣ Broil (optional): Open the foil and broil for an additional 2–3 minutes for a golden, caramelized finish.
7️⃣ Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve with lemon slices if desired. Serve hot with your choice of sides.
Notes
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Foil locks in moisture: Wrapping the salmon ensures it stays juicy and tender with no mess.
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Simple sauce, bold flavor: Honey, garlic, butter, and lemon make a sweet-savory glaze that caramelizes beautifully.
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Customize your garnish: Fresh parsley and lemon slices brighten the dish, but chives or dill also work well.
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Perfect for meal prep: Cooks fast and reheats well — ideal for batch cooking or quick dinners.
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Broil for texture: A quick broil at the end gives the top a lightly crisp, golden finish.
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Pairs well with sides: Serve with roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20 min